Okay, I’ll own up straight off the bat: I don’t know if I’m really excited for today’s playlist or not. However, I see the Eagles, Genesis, and Elton John on this list, so my hopes are high. With my brain already on the weekend, I’m trying to focus on the task at hand…and also finding myself a mixture of tired and as hyper as I was this morning.
1. Desperado – Eagles
I can remember the first time I listened to the Eagles properly. I was eleven or twelve and a friend had the CDs. He let me listen to them, and that was it. I loved them. “Desperado” was one of the tracks that had me completely hypnotized. Lyrically, the song is perfection, but for me, it was the piano paired with the strong vocals forming an incredible sound. I also loved the fact that the song built up, brining it full circle with vocal harmonies and drumming to die for. This is a true classic.
2. Child’s Christmas In Wales – John Wales
Lyrically, this song is pure poetry. Added in with the boppy, catchy music, it’s difficult to ignore. The metaphorical narrative, the sliding guitar, et cetera, are all fantastic. There is a part in the song that sounds like a church organ, and for some bizarre reason, it makes every minute more enjoyable
3. Solid Air – John Martyn
Haunting is the first word that comes to mind when listening to this track. However, “enunciate” is another one. Martyn tends to mumble throughout the song, which kind of takes away from the beautiful simplicity of the overall tone of “Solid Air.”
4. I Know What I Like (in Your Wardrobe) – Genesis
Songs about falling in line with the white-picket fence are a dime a dozen, but Genesis may have started the movement with this song. It’s got such a strange, ethereal feeling to it, but that makes it even more appealing, in my opinion. You can never go wrong when Phil Collins is involved.
5. Cum On Feel The Noize – Slade
Do I like this? Do I hate it? I know I hate the spelling in the title (I can practically hear my old language arts teacher having a fit over it).
6. Living For The City – Stevie Wonder
I’m not big on the synthesizer, but I love this song. It’s perfection; lyrically and musically, it paints a picture of poverty and working to reach the American Dream. I adore Stevie Wonders voice on this track as well. Impeccable.
7. I Can’t Stand The Rain – Ann Peebles
Here is a familiar song that I love. This is a great car-eoke favorite of mine. Ann Peebles has an incredible voice, and she sells this story like nobody’s business. I wish she and Seal could duet on this song. It would be magic.
8. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John
Lovesick, tired, and melancholy. Elton John is a born storyteller and songwriter. This is one of the many songs that is iconic, because it’s so unique and a stunning addition to his already incredible discography. His future is beyond the love of someone who takes him for granted, like all the other riches in life.
9. Future Days – Can
It starts off simply, before adding in instrument after instrument, and really rounding it out. For some reason, this song comes alive in ways that many others can’t, all without being cheesy. However, the vocals start of in the background and are unintelligible, but when they kick in, it’s not so bad. This opus of sorts is more focused on instrumental than vocal. I’m not sure if that helped it or harmed it.
10. Essiniya – Nass El Ghiwane
I wasn’t sure about this at first, but then the harmonies began, and they are beautiful. There is something so powerful and worldly about listening to this; it’s like opening a door to a whole new universe of music…I love it!
So, there it goes, Day Thirty-Nine. One for the record books for sure. Now, I can’t wait to sleep, but I’m also finding myself excited for Day 40’s playlist. To listen to these songs, I find I have to be a bit patient sometimes, because I might have to listen more than once with an unfamiliar track, just to get the feel of it. However, this doesn’t discourage me from the challenge. Keep it coming!
Planet Stereo 